Pedidos de um Gaúcho

Gildo de Freitas' song "Pedidos de um Gaúcho" is a heartfelt and poignant reflection on the artist's final wishes and his deep connection to his cultural roots. The lyrics are a series of requests that the singer makes for his funeral, emphasizing the importance of tradition, community, and the natural world. The song is imbued with a sense of pride in his identity as a gaúcho, a term used to describe the cowboys of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The song opens with the singer expressing his desire to leave behind some requests for when he passes away. He imagines himself singing verses to the angels in heaven, highlighting his belief in an afterlife where he can continue to share his art. He asks for a grand send-off, with a procession that includes a cavalry and the sound of a weeping accordion, symbolizing the deep emotional connection he has with his culture and music.

Throughout the song, Gildo de Freitas emphasizes the importance of being buried in a way that honors his life as a gaúcho. He requests to be buried in his own pasture, surrounded by the natural elements that were a significant part of his life. He wants his friends and companions to be present, dressed in traditional attire, and for there to be singing and celebration rather than mourning. This reflects the gaúcho spirit of resilience and joy in the face of life's challenges.

The final verses of the song highlight the singer's pride in his heritage. He asks for the flag of Rio Grande do Sul to be draped over his coffin and for a sign on his grave that declares he was a gaúcho who honored tradition. This request underscores the deep sense of identity and pride that Gildo de Freitas feels for his culture, and his desire for this to be remembered and respected even after his death.